What is Manus AI and Why Did It Go Viral Overnight?

In China’s rapidly growing AI space, one name has suddenly surged into the spotlight — Manus AI. This new AI chatbot has become a viral sensation on platforms like RedNote (小红书), where users are calling it “the next DeepSeek”. But what exactly is Manus AI? Why did it go viral so quickly? And what makes it stand out in a crowded field of AI assistants?

Let’s explore what’s behind the Manus AI hype — and how you can track its rise with the FoxData.

What is Manus AI?

Manus AI is a Chinese-developed large language model (LLM) chatbot, built to help users write, learn, solve problems, and code. It’s designed for both English and Chinese, offering smooth multi-turn conversations similar to ChatGPT — but with a tone and output that feel more localized and youth-friendly.

Its strengths lie in:

• Essay writing and summarization
• Homework and exam help
• Programming support
• Interview and resume coaching
• Idea generation for creators

All of this is packed in a minimalist, fast, and free-to-use interface — no account needed, and no VPN required.

💡Read More: Manus AI: The Next DeepSeek or Just Another AI Hype?

Why Did Manus AI Go Viral Overnight?

The viral boom started on RedNote, China’s lifestyle and trend-sharing platform, where students and creators began sharing screenshots of Manus AI’s witty responses and useful outputs.

Three key reasons explain its instant popularity:

Unlike most global AI tools, Manus AI is tuned for Mandarin speakers — giving nuanced, culturally relevant answers.

No signup. No subscription. No VPN. This made it incredibly easy to try — and even easier to share.

The platform's Gen Z users loved Manus AI’s interface and results, flooding it with organic buzz and viral content.

The 90s-Born CEO Behind Manus AI

Manus AI was founded by a post-90s Chinese entrepreneur, whose identity is still emerging in public interviews. What is known is that the CEO has a background in top-tier Chinese tech companies and AI research, along with a clear understanding of what Gen Z users seek in terms of intuitive and functional digital tools.

From its youthful tone to UI simplicity, Manus AI reflects a focus on practical, everyday use, much like other viral-generation products such as Notion and Figma. This alignment with the preferences of digital-native users is a key factor in its growing success.

Comparison: Manus AI vs. DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT

✅ Key Highlight: Manus AI is often referred to as the “轻便版的DeepSeek” — a lightweight, Gen-Z-friendly alternative with easier access and a fun, responsive tone.

Explore more: Why is DeepSeek, China's AI Dark Horse, Dominating Global Download Charts?

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Monetization Plans & Business Model

As of March 31, 2025, Manus AI introduced two subscription plans:

• Basic Plan: $39/month, includes 3,900 credits and the ability to run two tasks simultaneously.​
• Pro Plan: $199/month, offers 19,900 credits, the ability to run five tasks simultaneously, and priority access during peak hours.

Users can also purchase additional credits through top-up packs.

Additional Monetization Strategies:

• API Access for Developers (speculated): Integration into SaaS tools, educational platforms, or productivity apps.
• Institutional Partnerships: Potential collaborations with schools, publishers, and training centers.
• Data-Driven Model Training: Likely uses anonymized user data to improve model quality and task accuracy.

Maintaining accessibility while introducing premium features will be essential for sustainable growth.

Tracking Manus AI’s Growth with FoxData

At FoxData, we’ve been closely monitoring Manus AI’s explosive growth. Using the FoxData- App Intelligence, you can:

🔍 Track Trending Keywords:

Manus AI ranks #1 for hot keywords like “manus,” “manus ai,” and “manus ai agent” on iPhone. It currently ranks for 214,744 keywords, including 10,125 unique ones, outperforming its competitors in 42 keyword segments — helping marketers refine their ASO strategy.

Keyword Explore- Competitor Analysis

📈 Competitor Keyword Explorer:

Understand how Manus AI stacks up against similar AI products across search rankings, downloads, and visibility.

⭐ Ratings & Reviews:

According FoxData- AI Review Summary, users consistently praise Manus AI in three areas:

• Strategic Support
• Personal Growth
• Productivity Boost

It’s recognized as an intelligent assistant that not only increases efficiency but also helps users learn and grow.

👉 Find Out More: FoxData's Latest Update: "AI Review Summary" and "Keyword Explore"

Conclusion

With its Gen Z-friendly tone, no-login access, and practical features, Manus AI is quickly becoming one of China’s hottest AI tools. It’s more than just a chatbot — it reflects a new wave of smart, localized tech made for how today’s users think, learn, and create.

Curious to track the rise of tools like Manus AI?

📊 Sign up for FoxData to monitor trends, analyze competitors, and stay ahead in the AI race.